Shailee Adinolfi, Trust Machines: Discomfort is where we do the most learning

Can you walk us through your career journey, highlighting key milestones and experiences that have shaped your path in the tech industry?

Before joining the crypto industry about seven years ago, I spent over a decade working on U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) projects focused on financial and digital inclusion. That work took me to countries where we collaborated with local ecosystems to bring financial services and fintech to underserved communities, like rural areas and small businesses. One of the key strategies was driving initiatives like tiered KYC policies to enable more inclusive financial systems.

A lot of my work revolved around mobile money, particularly in East Africa. I was inspired by Kenya’s success with Mpesa and worked to support similar ecosystems in other countries through grants, market research, and public-private partnerships. Looking back, I often joke that Mpesa was my first introduction to stablecoins, as it laid the foundation for my fascination with decentralised financial systems.

From there, I transitioned into crypto, drawn by the concept of decentralised identity and its connection to payments. I spent over four years at ConsenSys, where I contributed to projects like MetaMask Snaps, which has tremendous potential for extending Ethereum’s functionality. I’ve always been deeply embedded in the Ethereum ecosystem, even working on a Web3 messaging protocol called XMTP. This innovation allows users to own their communications and carry them across applications, something that’s only now becoming possible with Web3.

What initially drew you to the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency?

What drew me to crypto was the concept of decentralising power structures. Coming from a background in financial and digital inclusion, I witnessed firsthand how the aggregation of financial services by big banks and the dominance of big tech left consumers with limited choices and little control over their data. People were freely sharing personal information, often without realising the extent to which their privacy was being compromised and monetised by these large entities.

Crypto offered an alternative—a way to redistribute power and give individuals more autonomy over their financial and digital lives. The idea of empowering consumers, allowing them to own their data, and enabling local, flat economies was incredibly compelling. It wasn’t just about the technology but about reshaping systems to prioritise transparency, choice, and fairness.

This vision of decentralisation continues to inspire me as I work in the space, exploring how we can create ecosystems that are not only innovative but more equitable and inclusive for everyone.

Were there any specific challenges you faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and how did you overcome them?

When I first started looking for roles in the crypto industry, I found it intimidating to see how male-dominated the executive teams were. Often, there might be just one woman on the team, typically working in people, talent, or marketing. Even in larger organisations I’ve worked in, this pattern persisted—executive teams that were overwhelmingly male with very few women in leadership roles. Thankfully, I’ve started to see some shifts, with more female founders emerging, which is so encouraging.

As a seasoned professional in the space, I’ve contemplated starting my own company, and maybe that’s in my future. But I’ll be honest—one challenge I and many other women face is balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. That’s been a mental barrier for me, though I’ve seen inspiring examples of women, particularly mothers, taking on CEO roles and managing both beautifully. They set boundaries and maintain that balance, which I deeply admire. We need more examples like this to inspire others, including myself, to push past those doubts.

Imposter syndrome is another big hurdle I’ve faced, and I know many women deal with it, too. It’s that nagging feeling of not being “enough” or not knowing enough to take on certain roles. I’ve learned how important it is to have a support network—a community of women who share experiences, advocate for each other, and help tackle those insecurities. These conversations can be transformative, showing us how to overcome barriers and advocate for ourselves.

Sometimes, if growth opportunities aren’t available within a company, it’s okay to leave and find a place where you can thrive. Women need to hear that message more often—it’s okay to step away and seek the growth you deserve. And it’s equally important that we support one another, helping more women rise in this space and break through those ceilings. There’s so much potential for us to build a more inclusive and supportive industry.

How do you perceive the current state of the web3 and crypto industry, and what trends do you foresee in the coming years?

I believe we’re on the brink of achieving real scale in the crypto industry, but there are a few critical barriers we need to address first. One big issue is user friction, especially during onboarding. For example, the reliance on secret recovery phrases in many wallets is a major pain point. Thankfully, we’re starting to see solutions like account abstraction and other technologies that combine strong security with seamless user experiences. Even the idea of eliminating passwords is becoming a reality, which would be a huge step forward in making crypto more accessible.

Another hurdle is policy and regulation, particularly in the United States. Regulatory uncertainty has held the industry back, causing us to lose jobs, innovation, and entire companies to places like Asia and Europe. The approval of the Bitcoin ETF was a positive milestone—but it came at least ten years too late. What we really need is a stablecoin bill, and we need it now. Without clear guidelines, it’s difficult to build and grow at the scale this industry is capable of.

Beyond these, we must continue driving innovation in ways that solve real-world problems and meet users where they are. We’re not going to replace traditional payment networks or legacy systems overnight. Change takes time, requiring us to adapt to existing user behaviours rather than expecting users to change for us. Incremental progress—creating solutions that fit into people’s lives and businesses—will be key to mainstream adoption.

Ultimately, it’s about removing barriers while fostering an environment where innovation thrives. The path forward involves balancing technology, policy, and user engagement to build solutions that are not just revolutionary but also practical and widely adoptable. While there’s still a lot of work ahead, I’m optimistic. We’re standing at the edge of something truly transformative, and the potential for massive scale is finally within reach.

Have you had mentors or role models who have influenced your career, and how important do you think mentorship is for women in tech?

Some of the best mentorship I’ve received happened earlier in my career before I entered the tech industry. At that stage, I was still learning and had managers who closely oversaw my work. They provided me with positive and constructive feedback, which was incredibly valuable. Watching how they navigated male-dominated spaces, made decisions using data from various perspectives, and handled challenges was like a masterclass in leadership. Those moments of observation and direct interaction taught me so much about professional growth and navigating complex environments.

What also stood out was the structured development I experienced. Things like performance development plans and goal setting were integral to my growth. I worry sometimes that with the rise of remote work, particularly in startups, younger professionals might miss out on these formative experiences. Startups often lack the traditional frameworks that larger organisations provide, making it harder to replicate that kind of mentorship and feedback loop. My hope is that even in the fast-paced world of startups, we find ways to provide meaningful guidance and support to those just starting their careers.

Now, my mentorship circle looks a bit different. It’s made up of incredible peer mentors—mainly women—whom I’ve connected with throughout my career. These women are spread across the globe, and they’ve been my champions and sounding boards. Whether I’m seeking advice or brainstorming solutions, they’re the ones I turn to. It’s not the traditional top-down mentorship I had earlier in my career, but it’s equally impactful because it’s rooted in mutual support and shared experiences.

I think mentorship evolves with your career. Early on, it’s about learning from those ahead of you. Later, it becomes about collaborating with peers and continuing to grow through those relationships. For me, the key has always been surrounding myself with people who inspire me and challenge me to be better. And I’ll continue to lean on them, just as I hope to offer the same in return.

How can individuals stay updated on industry trends and continually improve their skills in this rapidly evolving field?

As an ecosystem builder focused on business development, I gain the most valuable insights by directly engaging with builders—whether they’re working on DApps, protocols, DeFi projects, or Web3 social and gaming initiatives. Conferences and events are especially enriching, offering conversations and learning opportunities that simply can’t be replicated online.

I also turn to podcasts for industry updates and analysis, offering thoughtful commentary on the crypto space. For in-depth research, I lean on resources like Messari and news outlets like Blockworks, Decrypt, and CoinDesk, which have become essential as the industry has grown.

Social platforms like crypto, Twitter, Threads, and Discord are also key to staying in the loop. While Discord can sometimes be overwhelming, it’s invaluable for diving into specific protocols or DApps and understanding their development.

For me, staying informed is all about combining face-to-face conversations, curated digital content, and the immediacy of social platforms. This multi-channel approach ensures I’m always learning and staying connected in the fast-paced world of Web3.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our audience, particularly young girls considering a career in Web3 and crypto?

Don’t be afraid to take risks—growth often happens when you’re slightly uncomfortable. That discomfort drives questioning, learning, and personal and professional development. Embracing it is key to continuous growth.

It’s also okay to pivot in your career. I transitioned from a decade in government consulting to the tech-driven crypto world despite having no prior experience in the field. I made this leap as a mother of two, living in Washington, D.C., where tech and fintech aren’t as prominent as in hubs like New York or San Francisco.

Taking that leap of faith was challenging but deeply rewarding. It’s a testament to how change, even when it feels daunting, can lead to new opportunities and lasting success. Sometimes, all it takes is trusting the process and believing in your ability to adapt and thrive.